London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham both secured memorable European victories last week – with the Gunners seeing off Barcelona at the Emirates and Spurs grabbing a 1-0 win over AC Milan at the San Siro – but they turn their attentions back to the Premier League this week as Spurs travel to strugglers Blackpool on Tuesday and Arsenal host Stoke on Wednesday (Arsenal 2/1 to win the Premier League title). How will they shape up following their Champions League wins?
Blackpool Vs Tottenham Hotspur
After their fearless, and wholly unexpected, fine start to life in the Premier League in the autumn last year, the Seasiders have slipped down the table in recent weeks with just one win since the turn of the year and Ian Holloway’s men are now in real danger of dropping out of the top flight (Blackpool 6/5 to be relegated).
Blackpool also travel to Wolves on Saturday in a crucial relegation showdown but Holloway will still have his players focused for the test of Spurs. Despite Blackpool’s struggles in 2011 it is worth noting that they have pulled out some decent performances despite results not going their way. The one win they did manage to pick up in January was the notable scalp of Liverpool in a 2-1 win at Bloomfield Road, while they also pushed champions elect Manchester United to the limit before slipping to a 3-2 defeat.
Spurs have a great away record and only Arsenal have recorded more victories on the road than Harry Redknapp’s side. Spurs are the heavy favourites to take all three points but the game could be much closer than many people expect and Blackpool will not roll over easily (match betting – Blackpool 16/5, draw 11/4, Spurs 4/5).
Spurs will be without the influential midfield duo of Rafael Van der Vaart and Gareth Bale for their trip to Bloomfield Road, while Blackpool have just Richard Kingson as their only option in goal and both sides have a few injury problems. Spurs are also without Vedran Corluka, Jonathan Woodgate, Ledley King, Younes Kaboul and Tom Huddlestone. Blackpool will have to cope without Stephen Crainey and Matt Gilks, who are both a few weeks away from returning to action, for Spurs’ visit.
Charlie Adam has been in fine form of late and, indeed, through the course of the season. After missing out on a deadline-day move to Spurs he will be desperate to impress Redknapp. The Spurs boss has hinted he may reignite his interest in Adam in the summer and the Scottish international can be backed at 10/3 to score at any time in the match.
Both teams have an attacking philosophy and are arguably two of the most attack minded sides in the Premier League, over 2.5 goals is priced at 8/15 and there will be plenty of chances for both sides over the course of the fixture.
Arsenal V Stoke City
Arsenal and Stoke have built up a fierce rivalry in recent years, with the contrasting styles of bosses Arsene Wenger and Tony Pulis seemingly at the route of the problem – as well as a few tasty encounters.
Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross in particular is an unpopular figure at the Emirates Stadium after his challenge on Aaron Ramsey sidelined the midfielder with a broken leg for a significant amount of time and the Potters and boss Pulis are set for a fiery reception when they arrive at the Emirates on Wednesday.
Both sides have virtually fully-fit squads ahead of the meeting. Arsenal are without Abou Diaby through suspension, while Johan Djourou remains a doubt with a back injury. Stoke’s only concern is winger Matthew Etherington, who has a back problem.
Arsenal have been beaten just three times at the Emirates in the Premier League this season and it will take a big effort from the Potters to get anything out of the game. Pulis’ Stoke side have managed just 10 points and 12 goals from their 13 away days to date and it would take a brave punter to back anything other than an Arsenal victory at the Emirates on Wednesday (match betting – Arsenal 3/10, draw 4/1, Stoke 10/1).
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